Planning to go to Eire with a motorhome or campervan? Wish to get some ideas for locations to go to, the place to remain, routes to take and extra? Right here’s every thing it’s essential learn about motorhoming or campervanning in Eire.
Don’t overlook to obtain your FREE motorhome journey guidelines beneath that will help you plan your Irish street journey.
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Campervanning in Eire – why it is best to go!
As I write this, I’m sitting in my motorhome by a seaside within the Republic of Eire. Positive, it’s wet, however that’s not detracting from the fantastic thing about this nation. It’s not referred to as the Emerald Isle for nothing!
Put easy, Eire is a phenomenal place for a street journey. There’s a lot historical past, lovely roads and locations to discover and loads of hospitable locations to search out meals and leisure, each in Northern and Southern Eire (which they like to name the Republic.)
You possibly can after all discover Eire utilizing public transport, nevertheless it’s so a lot better in case you have your individual vehicle- whether or not that’s a motorhome or campervan (our most popular choices), or a automotive, caravan and even motorcycle.
Among the best issues about having the ability to discover Eire on a motorhoming vacation is that you may see the variations between the areas and actually get a really feel for the nation in a brief area of time. It may additionally make your journey cheaper if you should purchase and put together your meals as a substitute of getting to purchase them all- to not point out having the ability to keep in a single day at some breathtaking places.
On this information, we’re going to share with you every thing it’s essential know to go motorhoming or campervanning in Eire, together with attending to Eire from the UK (or elsewhere), planning your route, the place to remain (motorhome campsites, alternate options or wild tenting together with your camper), some street journey concepts and locations to go to, driving ideas and different sensible recommendation that will help you have an incredible Irish street journey.
Don’t overlook to seize your free motorhome journey guidelines which can aid you plan and organise every thing you want.
Motorhoming in Eire- When to go
Like a lot of the UK, one of the best time for a street journey might be between April and October for those who’re simply contemplating the climate.
Nevertheless, do not forget that it’s referred to as the ‘Emerald Isle’ as a result of it’s so inexperienced… and it’s inexperienced as a result of it rains. Quite a bit. Anticipate rain at any time of the yr (but one more reason to be glad of your individual automobile… you’ll be able to conceal inside if the climate turns!) In fact, there are some sunny days as effectively, and also you’re probably to get these throughout the summer time.
July and August are the primary faculty holidays, so every thing will probably be so much busier then AND costs for every thing will probably be higher- ferries, campsites and even some attraction charges.
Different main occasions in Eire embrace the Rugby Six nations at first of the yr (which is especially centred on Dublin), The Gathering- a standard dancing and music competition held every February in Kilkenny and St Patricks Day on seventeenth March every year- your entire nation celebrates it with a ardour (celebrations typically final per week!)
There’s additionally the Galway Meals Pageant in April, the Style of Dublin meals competition in June and Nationwide Heritage Week on the finish of August, in addition to many others.
So there’s by no means a ‘unhealthy’ time to go to Eire. In the event you’re in a position to journey exterior of faculty holidays we extremely advocate it, and also you’ll always remember a St Patrick’s Day in Dublin! (Truly, that’s not strictly true; pals of mine moved to Dublin with their children and I’ve spent many St Patrick’s Days there- I can’t appear to recollect a lot of them in any respect… 😉)
Highlights of an Eire campervanning vacation
A few of the finest locations to go to in Eire with a campervan or motorhome embrace:
- Cliffs of Moher – unbelievably dramatic
- The Wild Atlantic Method- 1700 miles of dramatic shoreline and conventional Irish tradition
- Giants Causeway (Northern Eire)
- Darkish Hedges road- well-known as a Recreation of Thrones filming location. You possibly can drive down it, however not in a motorhome!
- Dublin- one in every of our favorite cities in Europe
- The Ring of Kerry- one of many finest street journeys in Eire
- The Rock of Cashel- Eire’s most visited Heritage website
- Blarney Fortress and the Blarney Stone
- Dunmore Head- mainland Eire’s most westernmost level
- Torc waterfall- one of many finest waterfalls in Europe
Speaking of TV reveals and flicks, listed below are a number of the largest which had been shot in Eire:
- Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince (Cliffs of Moher, Lemon Rock)
- Star Wars: The Power Awakens/The Final Jedi (Skellig Michael island)
- Braveheart (sure, I do know it’s about Scotland!)- Bective Abbey, Curragh Plains, Trim Fortress)
- Saving Personal Ryan Ballinesker Seashore- the setting for the D-Day landings in opening 20 minutes
- The Princess Bride (Cliffs of Moher)
- Recreation of Thrones (see some guided excursions right here)
In fact, there are MANY different unbelievable places and locations to go to in Eire- we are able to’t probably record all of them.
In the event you take pleasure in studying books earlier than a visit, listed below are some we advocate:
See extra enjoyable and sensible motorhoming books we advocate studying
Attending to Eire from Britain with a motorhome or camper
Okay, earlier than we go any additional, let’s clear up the confusion.
- Northern Eire IS a part of the UK. The Republic of Eire isn’t
- The Republic of Eire is within the EU. Northern Eire isn’t
- Nice Britain (or Britain) refers back to the landmass of England, Scotland and Wales
- The British Isles is the UK AND the Republic of Eire (plus the Channel Islands, Scilly Isles and hundreds of different small islands.) There’s a wonderful article explaining all of it right here
Nevertheless, even realizing all that, many individuals (myself included!) incorrectly say going from the UK to Eire, after they imply from Britain. So, my apologies ought to I make that error elsewhere.
Crossing from Northern Eire to Southern Eire
To get to Republic of Eire from Northern Eire you… drive throughout the border. It was once extremely easy- it’s now just a little tougher due to BREXIT, nevertheless it’s nonetheless only a matter of driving south. There will probably be a border to cross and also you’ll want to hold all the right paperwork. Relying in your route, there could also be a toll cost.
Attending to Eire by Ferry from remainder of the UK
For the remainder of the UK (in any other case often known as Britain!), if you wish to take your individual motorhome or campervan throughout to Eire, you’ll must get on a ferry. There are a number of ferry routes to select from:
- Holyhead to Dublin (Irish Ferries)
- Pembroke to Rosslare (Irish Ferries)
- Liverpool to Dublin (P&O Ferries)
- Cairnryan to Larne (P&O Ferries)
- Cairnryan to Belfast (Stena Line)
- Liverpool to Belfast (Stena Line)
- Holyhead to Dublin (Stena Line)
- Fishguard to Rosslare (Stena Line)
Attending to Eire from France
There are additionally ferries which go straight from France to Eire.
- Cherbourg to Dublin which normally runs 3 occasions weekly (Irish Ferries)
- Cherbourg to Rosslare as soon as per week (Brittany Ferries)
- Roscoff to Cork twice weekly (Brittany Ferries)
- Roscoff to Rosslare as soon as weekly (Brittany Ferries)
- Cherbourg to Rosslare which runs thrice per week (Stena Line)
Travelling round Eire
When you’re over in Eire, whether or not it’s North or South, the street system is superb and straightforward to navigate. We’ll speak extra concerning the guidelines, pace limits and different issues to know shortly.
Hiring a motorhome to tour Eire
In fact, for those who don’t have or need to pay to take your automobile to Eire, otherwise you’re travelling from additional away, the simplest choice is to fly in to Eire and lease a motorhome or campervan to make use of throughout your keep. Simply make certain to ask easy methods to get from the airport to the rental agency- not all of them are on the airport itself and also you would possibly must ebook a taxi.
The largest airports in Eire are:
- Dublin Airport – east coast
- Cork Airport – south coast
- Shannon Airport – west coast (close to Limerick)
- Knock Airport – mid/ north West (however nonetheless within the Republic of Eire)
- Belfast Airport – in Northern Eire
To lease a automobile in Eire you could:
- be at the very least 21 years previous, though many rent automotive firms have a minimal age of 25 (sure automotive classes could require older)
- There could also be restrictions for over 70s as effectively
- have had a driving licence for multiple yr
- present identification (id card for EU residents or a legitimate passport for different nationalities)
You possibly can count on to pay round £100/ day for a campervan in June out of peak season- be sure you ask the precise questions so you understand what to anticipate out of your motorhome or campervan rental
Keep in mind that you simply would possibly must pay an extra payment to drive from the Republic of Eire into Northern Eire (or vice versa) so examine together with your rent firm earlier than you ebook.
Don’t overlook, it’s YOUR accountability to verify the automobile has the required security tools. The on-the-spot fines apply to you as the driving force, not the corporate. Verify upfront with the corporate what package they are going to present with the automobile and what you will want to convey.
Take an inventory of what’s legally required with you and examine it off one after the other as you’re given the handover. Don’t drive till you’re glad you adjust to the native legal guidelines.
Campervan guidelines in Eire- what gear it’s essential carry
Issues it’s essential carry to legally drive in Eire
You’ll be happy to know that, in contrast to motorhoming in France or a lot of the remainder of Europe, Eire is just like the principles within the UK, so there are only a few stuff you LEGALLY have to hold (though we advocate them anyway.) There are:
- UK sticker hooked up to the again of auto or reg plates (and trailer in case you have one)
- A spare wheel (and instruments to alter it!), or a tyre restore package.
- In the event you put on glasses you MUST carry a spare pair
- Crash helmets are obligatory for motorcycle/ moped riders and passengers
NOTE: Hello-vis reflective jackets ,Warning triangles and Headlight beam converters (in case you have a UK automobile) are usually not required in Eire. In case you have a European automobile (ie- you usually drive on the precise), you will want headlight converters.
What paperwork do it’s essential street journey in Eire?
In the event you’re driving in Eire, it’s essential carry the next paperwork:
- Passport (or id card)
- Driving licence (examine it’s in date!)
- Motorhome Insurance coverage documents- examine you’re lined for driving in Europe
- Breakdown cowl
- Automobile V5 logbook (which should present your right tackle)
- Automobile should be legally taxed and MOT’d
- Trailer certification
- Inexperienced card (get out of your automobile insurer)
- Worldwide Driving Allow if required
- Private journey insurance coverage
Do I want a world driving allow to drive in Eire?
Most UK residents don’t want an IDP to drive in Eire, so long as you’ve got a card driving licence issued within the UK (in date, after all!)
You would possibly want one in case you have:
- a paper driving licence solely
- a licence issued in Gibraltar, Guernsey, Jersey or the Isle of Man
(In the event you do want an IDP, right here’s an in-depth information on easy methods to get an Worldwide Driving Allow and which one(s) you want from a UK publish workplace.
Touring Eire in a campervan- Different helpful stuff you would possibly want
We’ve been touring Europe in our motorhome for a number of years. We’ve tried all kinds of kit- some helpful, some not a lot.
Here’s a record of issues we extremely advocate when motorhoming in Eire, however that are NOT important:
Motorhome Stopovers and In a single day camper parking in Eire
Like most international locations in Europe, there are a number of sorts of locations the place you’ll be able to cease together with your motorhome or campervan in a single day in Eire.
- Campsites
- Free/ authorised motorhome parking schemes
- Wild Tenting (we’ll speak extra concerning the legality of that shortly)
Motorhome Campsites in Eire
Campsites in Eire are very like different campsites anyplace across the UK or Europe. Some are all-singing and dancing, with swimming pools, leisure and extra, whereas others are extra fundamental (and normally cheaper!) It’s fairly simple to discover a campsite close to to you or close to to the place you’re going, particularly for those who’re a member of membership or have a ebook!
You usually don’t must ebook upfront except you’re visiting in peak season or throughout a competition (or over St Patrick’s weekend. Additionally, for those who’re a member of one of many UK’s largest motorhome golf equipment, they’ve some websites in Eire which you’ll be able to ebook by way of their programs.
Remember that many campsites shut for winter, some as early as September and don’t re-open till Easter. So do your analysis, particularly for those who’re travelling out of season.
TOP TIP: In the event you can journey exterior peak occasions, use your ACSI Tenting Card to cut back the price of campsite stays
Aires in Eire
Eire, just like the UK, doesn’t have ‘aires’ in the identical manner you is likely to be used to if motorhoming in France, Germany or Italy.
An aire is simply an authorised in a single day motorhome parking space which isn’t a campsite. Eire DOES have many locations the place motorhomes and campervans can keep overnight- with permission. However they don’t work in the identical manner as aires.
Accredited in a single day motorhome parking
There are a number of schemes which join motorhomers and campervanners who don’t need to keep in campsites each evening to companies and locations glad to permit in a single day parking (normally with out services). That is in alternate for you shopping for a few of their services or products, akin to a meal in a restaurant.
Secure Nights Eire
One such scheme is Secure Nights Eire– which has over 350 places round Northern and Southern Eire. You possibly can be part of the scheme for simply 15€ a yr and get entry to any locations that are a part of the scheme.
Pub In a single day Stops in Eire
Pubs are an important choice for a free in a single day parking cease for those who’re already going to eat at them. A lot of them will permit motorhomes and campervans to remain in a single day of their automotive parks (some even permit caravans). Clearly, that is just for the night- you in all probability wouldn’t be capable of keep there for per week, though I suppose there’s no hurt in asking!
READ MORE: How we discover locations at no cost in a single day motorhome stopovers
Wild tenting in Eire for motorhomes and campers
Is wild tenting for motorhomes and campervans allowed in Eire? The authorized reply is no- you’re not allowed to remain anyplace with a motorised automobile other than on authorised campsites, except you’ve got the landowners permission.
Nevertheless, in actuality, many individuals do motorhome wild tenting throughout Eire and barely have an issue.
There’s a distinction between ‘tenting’ and ‘in a single day parking’. Many individuals (us included) incorrectly confer with parking up in a single day someplace as motorhome wild tenting, as a substitute of in a single day parking.
In a single day parking is parking up for one evening after which shifting on once more within the morning. No awnings, outside furnishings, BBQs, motorhome mills, washing traces or something OUTSIDE the automobile. In lots of distant locations, for those who arrive late within the afternoon and go away early-ish within the morning, you’ll be completely high-quality to remain in a single day, except there’s a transparent signal banning motorhomes or campers in a single day.
For tips about easy methods to park in a single day with out upsetting native residents or drawing undesirable consideration, learn our full information to motorhome in a single day parking (which we name wild tenting. Sorry)
Wild Tenting is a distinct matter, and is forbidden in Eire. You’ll in all probability be requested to maneuver on and/ or fined by the Police for those who seem like you’re tenting together with your van.
Bear in mind, you’ll be able to at all times ask for those who’re allowed to remain. The Irish are extremely hospitable and for those who’re well mannered and respectful, they’re very more likely to help you keep with out challenge (particularly for those who’ve simply paid cash to them for one thing!)
Motorhome wild tenting guides for the UK & Europe
Motorhome and campervan service factors in Eire
In contrast to in Europe, there are only a few locations to discharge waste and water and refill with recent water other than on the campsites. Because of this, it’s price reserving right into a campsite for an evening each few days, as a way to use its providers.
Some campsites will help you pay a small payment and use the providers with out paying for an in a single day stop- you’l should ask as you go.
Driving ideas for Eire
Some helpful ideas for driving in Eire, no matter your automobile. Eire has a reasonably good street community, particularly across the main cities and cities. Nevertheless, a number of the smaller rural roads may be VERY slim and lots of are marked as unsuitable for bigger automobiles, like motorhomes.
Usually, these small roads are single monitor, and have passing locations. These are locations to drag in to let one other automobile go previous from the opposite path, NOT someplace to park up and go for a stroll.
Additionally, count on slow-moving farm automobiles on these roads- it may possibly take some time to get anyplace and no-one in Eire is in a lot of a rush. So don’t over-estimate how far you’ll be able to journey in someday. Additionally, count on sheep, cows and different animals to wander out into the street in entrance of you at any second.
- Drive on the left (like within the UK, the alternative to most of Europe)
- Keep to the left on roads with multiple lane and overtake on the precise.
- At roundabouts and junctions, site visitors already on the street and coming from the precise has precedence.
- Motorways are marked with an ‘M’
- Seatbelts are obligatory for entrance and rear passengers
- All kids as much as 135 cms in top or as much as 12 years of age, should use an acceptable baby seat (Northern Eire)
- Handsfree kits are required if utilizing a cell phone
- Units warning of pace cameras are forbidden
- Dipped headlights are to be used throughout poor visibility.
- Bikes should use dipped headlights throughout the day always.
Velocity Limits in Eire
IMPORTANT: The Republic of Eire drives in km/h (like most of Europe). Northern Eire drives in mph (like the remainder of the UK). In the event you change the settings in your motorhome sat-nav, bear in mind to alter it for those who cross the border!
Breaking the pace restrict in both Northern or Southern Eire will end in a hard and fast penalty and/ or penalty factors in your driving licence.
On the spot fines are uncommon, however it’s attainable to be pulled over by the police drive for dashing and given a hard and fast penalty discover and/ or plus a £100 high-quality.
Republic of IRELAND
Velocity Limits for automobiles beneath 3.5t are as follows (except in any other case signed!)
- Motorways- 120km/h (74mph)
- Nationwide roads/ twin carriageways- 100 km/h (62 mph)
- Regional roads- 80km/h (50mph)
- Constructed up areas- 50 km/h (31 mph)
Velocity limits for automobile OVER 3.5t
- Motorways/ – 90 km/h (55 mph)
- Nationwide roads/ twin carriageways- 80 km/h (50 mph)
- Regional roads- 80km/h (50mph)
- Constructed up areas- 50 km/h (31 mph)
Velocity limits in Northern Eire
- Motorways/ – 70 mph (
- Nationwide roads/ twin carriageways- 60mph
- Constructed up areas- 30 mph (50kph)
Velocity cameras in Eire
There are each static and cellular pace cameras in Eire. The cellular ones are principally in vans that are moved round because the Irish police drive (Garda Síochána) see match.
Drink driving legal guidelines
The Republic of Eire has stricter drink driving legal guidelines than Northern Eire, solely permitting 50 milligrammes of alcohol in 100 millilitres of blood (the UK and Northern Eire is 80). As at all times, don’t drink and drive. In case you are a brand new or an expert driver, the degrees are even decrease.
Tolls in Eire
There are at the moment no toll roads in Northern Eire.
There are 11 toll roads within the Republic of Eire- not as many as you is likely to be used to in France (and fortuitously not as costly as Norway!) You possibly can see the place they’re right here.
You possibly can pay for the tolls utilizing money on the toll plazas (playing cards are accepted at a number of however not all). Alternatively, you’ll be able to join a TollTag account and that can cost you as you drive.
The one street the place you can not pay as you drive is the M50. The M50 works a bit like a Dartford Tunnel- it’s essential pay for utilizing it by 8pm the next day. You possibly can pay at many garages and outlets within the space, however the simplest way is on-line right here.
In case you are renting a automobile, you will want to ask them easy methods to pay for tolls/ the M50 however its widespread so that you can must pay your self.
Petrol/ Diesel in Eire
There are many gasoline stations throughout Eire. As with in all places, you’ll discover the costs barely greater on the motorways.
Petrol is Unleaded (95 / 98) – Inexperienced handles on pump
Diesel has black or yellow handles on pump
Some locations are 24h pay on the pump, however could require you to enter the store and pay the cashier both upfront or after you’ve stuffed up- there will probably be an indication to let you know what to do. (Go away your automotive in entrance of the pump and make an observation of the pump quantity.)
You possibly can pay utilizing money or a bank card. Many locations do NOT take American Specific. You should utilize your UK playing cards with out a drawback.
Parking in Eire
Many locations which permit parking throughout the day or evening require fee. Often it’s essential pay on the ticket machine show your parking ticket within the windscreen. Not doing that is more likely to end in a high-quality.
Parking is prohibited when the street is marked with a pink line or a double yellow line.
An obstacle of a campervan in Eire is that parking in cities and cities may be tough- many locations have top obstacles of round 2.5m (and most vans and motorhomes are taller than that!) Subsequently, you would wish to search out on-street parking within the city, which may be troublesome. Alternatively, park up or use a campsite close by and use public transport to get in.
Getting LPG in Eire
LPG (GPL) may be discovered at chosen petrol stations and at autogas stations. If shopping for from a petroleum station, it’s possible you’ll want to attend for an attendant to show the system on for you.
You could find locations which promote LPG utilizing MyLPG.eu Eire principally makes use of the ACME connector.
LEARN MORE: Be taught how we discover LPG in Europe for our motorhome
Extra helpful issues to know when campervanning in Eire
Some extra ideas that will help you take pleasure in your time touring in Eire.
Emergency Numbers: 112 will get you every thing. 999 works as effectively.
Language– Irish Gaelic and English
Forex– Euros within the Republic of Eire, GBP (British Pound) in Northern Eire
Playing cards– most main credit score and debit playing cards are accepted. American Specific is simply taken in giant shops (typically not at gasoline stations)
Timezone– GMT (or the identical as Britain) Eire follows Britain when it comes to shifting forwards or backwards for summer season
Cell Telephone and Web – It is best to be capable of use your UK cellular and information with none challenge in Eire. If unsure, examine together with your supplier earlier than you journey.
Tipping- It’s regular to depart round 10-15% of your invoice as a tip after consuming a meal in a restaurant. A tip for a barman is at all times appreciated (and may get you entry to some hidden whiskies!) Ideas for cab drivers and different providers are additionally appreciated.
Retailers– Neither Northern Eire or the Republic of Eire are notably costly when it comes to meals or goods- it’s about on par with the remainder of the UK and also you’ll see most of the identical outlets, particularly in Northern Eire. Tesco and Lidl are widespread.
The Republic of Eire is staunchly Catholic and it’s possible you’ll discover many outlets closed on Sundays and non secular days. A few of the bigger supermarkets and garages could also be open for a number of hours. Most outlets shut between 5pm-7pm throughout the week- supermarkets could also be open as late as 10pm.
Northern Eire follows the UK, so outlets are sometimes open 10-4pm on Sundays and shut between 5pm-7pm throughout the week.
Campervanning in Eire- safety
Eire, just like the UK, has good areas and not-so-good areas when it comes to crime charges. Automobile break-ins do occur, as do petty theft and pickpocketing.
We extremely advocate paying additional consideration to your motorhome safety when travelling in Eire. You would possibly even want to match an additional camper habitation door lock and by no means go away your automobile unattended in an unsecure space.
READ MORE: Important ideas for safeguarding your van at dwelling and on the street
Touring Eire with a canine
Sadly, each Northern and the Republic of Eire are usually not notably dog-friendly, though some areas are higher than others. Most locations don’t permit canines into eating places, cafes or pubs, though they do help you sit exterior.
You is likely to be allowed to take them on a practice, however most buses ban all however the smallest lap canines. They’re allowed on seashores out of season, however throughout summer time they’re banned.
Having stated all that, there are some INCREDIBLE locations to stroll your canine, so for those who’re not fussed about consuming out or utilizing public transport, you then’ll don’t have any drawback together with your canine in Eire.
Attending to Eire from Britain with a canine
Now that BREXIT has been and gone, the principles for coming into Eire with a canine have modified.
To ensure that your canine to journey into Eire, you will want:
- A Microchip
- A rabies vaccination (you could wait 21 days earlier than journey)
- An Animal Well being Certificates (or Pet Passport for European pets)
- A Tapeworm therapy, administered 1-5 days earlier than journey by an authorised vet. (Notice: you do NOT want tapeworm for going from Eire to Britain)
You shouldn’t must do something to take your pet from Northern Eire into the Republic of Eire, or vice versa. For probably the most up-to-date data, examine the Deara web site
Utilizing a Drone in Eire
You should utilize a drone in Eire, however there are particular issues it’s essential do first.
READ MORE: What’s one of the best journey drone (and the way to decide on)
To make use of your drone in Eire it’s essential register right here (except your drone weighs lower than 250g!) If you don’t try this, you could not fly greater than 15 meters.
Drones and comparable remote-controlled flying units should be saved at the very least a minimal 30m from individuals, automobiles and buildings that aren’t related with the drone operator. Flying should occur in daylight solely, beneath 120m and by no means fly nearer than 5km to airports. The drone should at all times stay throughout the sight of the operator.
Please examine for native laws and army or different particular restricted areas the place all of the aforementioned actions are forbidden by legislation.
